Enhancing Health Coverage Access with Community Partnerships
Santa Clara Family Health Plan (SCFHP) is embarking on an important initiative to assist the community with health coverage. In light of impending policy changes, SCFHP is collaborating with various community organizations to promote Medi-Cal enrollment. This program particularly emphasizes the need for residents to maintain their health coverage by completing annual renewals before new regulations are enacted in 2026. Importantly, Medi-Cal remains accessible to all Californians, irrespective of immigration status, throughout the current year.
In this renewed effort, SCFHP is partnering with local organizations to ensure that every resident comprehends the enrollment and renewal processes. The initiative focuses on providing personalized assistance, language resources, and easy-to-understand information, enabling members to navigate their applications confidently. This outreach reinforces SCFHP's enduring promise to break down barriers to health care, ensuring everyone in Santa Clara County can secure comprehensive health coverage.
Christine M. Tomcala, CEO of SCFHP, expressed their commitment, stating, "Santa Clara Family Health Plan is dedicated to keeping our community covered. We want every resident to realize that support is available and that we are here to assist them throughout this process." This dedication is complemented by extending operating hours at affiliated community resource centers, including the Blanca Alvarado Community Resource Center in East San José and the South County Service Hub in Gilroy, to ensure residents have ample opportunities to seek assistance until the end of 2025.
Starting in 2026, significant changes will occur in the Medi-Cal program, specifically affecting adults over 19 with unsatisfactory immigration status. However, children under 18 and pregnant individuals will continue qualifying for coverage, irrespective of their immigration circumstances. Current members with unsatisfactory status can stay enrolled by submitting their annual renewal documents punctually.
In response to these changes, the SCFHP Governing Board has tasked SCFHP with mobilizing its resources to aid residents in both enrolling and maintaining their Medi-Cal coverage. This initiative is fortified through strategic collaborations with trusted community organizations such as Amigos de Guadalupe, Asian Americans for Community Involvement, and Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County. Together, these entities will cultivate a robust support network for those most affected by the expected changes.
As the landscape of Medi-Cal continues to transform, SCFHP is steadfast in its mission to assist over 295,000 members in navigating these shifts with empathy and clarity. By strengthening these partnerships and broadening access to reliable information, the plan is determined to ensure that every member remains connected to their care both now and in the future.
Brian Darrow, Chair of the SCFHP Governing Board, highlighted the dual focus of the initiative, saying, "We want to guarantee that existing Medi-Cal members receive the necessary support to complete their renewal documents and that people with unsatisfactory immigration status are given every opportunity to enroll before the upcoming deadline." This comprehensive approach not only aids individuals but also fosters a sense of community solidarity.
About Santa Clara Family Health Plan
Santa Clara Family Health Plan (SCFHP) is a dedicated entity shaped by community health needs, endeavoring to forge better health outcomes for everyone. Since 1997, SCFHP has partnered with local healthcare providers and organizations to ensure equitable and high-quality healthcare access for all residents in Santa Clara County. With a devotion to integrity and exemplary service, SCFHP currently serves more than 295,000 individuals through its Medi-Cal and Medicare programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main goals of the SCFHP initiative?
The initiative aims to help residents enroll in Medi-Cal and ensure existing members complete their renewals before regulatory changes take effect.
Who is SCFHP collaborating with for this initiative?
SCFHP is collaborating with numerous community-based organizations to provide personalized assistance and resources to residents.
What changes are expected in Medi-Cal in 2026?
In 2026, new Medi-Cal enrollments will pause for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, although some groups will continue to qualify.
How can residents get help with their Medi-Cal enrollment?
Residents can receive one-on-one assistance and language support at SCFHP’s community resource centers, which have extended hours for service.
How does SCFHP ensure healthcare access?
SCFHP is committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring comprehensive care is available to all, regardless of circumstances.
